Chapter 45

AYRA

“Rise and shine, mate,” I sang, pushing the curtains aside to let the sunlight stream into the room.

“Shut up,” Nathaniel groaned, placing his forearm over his eyes to block the unwanted light in the room. “It’s too early in the morning to be this chirpy.”

“Says the freak who goes for a run and to the gym every morning. Plus, it’s one in the afternoon.”

His eyes snapped open. “No shit?” He frowned, sitting up on the bed. “I never sleep for that long.”

“I know.” That showed just how burned out he was. He was usually as early as five in the morning, and he didn’t go to bed until it was late. “You needed the rest.”

He slid off the bed, scrubbing his hand down his face. “I should go check on Kai and the rest.”

I jumped in front of him, blocking his path. “No, you also need some rest. I already checked on them, and I informed them of your condition.”

“What condition? Nothing is wrong with me. I’m fine.”

“Mentally?” I asked, raising a knowing brow at him. I knew he blamed himself for t